First bloodwork after starting TRT

[Dunkirk]

The first image is after starting 125mg/week split Monday/Thursday. The other two are my baseline.

I'm thinking about increasing to 150mg, is that too low? Or should I go to 175? All other markers are good. I do plan to add HGH, but I want to get my test levels good beforehand. Even though I'm getting a little antsy.

The blood was drawn at a trough 2 hours prior to next injection. It's test E from @DevonPharmacy

I'm 5'-6", 37 yo male with 10-12%bf

 

[rxzed]

If you're not experiencing hypogonadal symptoms then there's no need to up it; that is, if your goal is just TRT. 600ng/dl at trough is near ideal.

 

[Dunkirk]

What about the low free test? Or is that normal?

If I want to increase libido, would HCG be better or the increase in test?

 

[rxzed]

What about the low free test? Or is that normal?

If I want to increase libido, would HCG be better or the increase in test?

The free test isn't too low; it's still within reference range. When it comes to TRT, or even on a cycle, the numbers are largely meaningless; symptoms are significantly more important.

In regards to libido, I think you just need to experiment. Regardless of which path you take, HCG should be ran in tandem with TRT to retain fertility; I cycle it 10 weeks on, 10 weeks off, to prevent any possible leydig cell desensitization, but I wouldn't be concerned very much about it.

As you probably already know, either route will increase estradiol and the potential for androgenic side effects, so make sure to get your blood work done.

 

[Nidus]

For the next panel I recommend getting a full panel featuring Bloodmarkers such as RBC, HBC, Thrombocytes and Lipids incl. Prolactin

 

[HUGE McBIGLARGE]

Unless you want to see how low your T goes at trough, you should have your blood taken at the middle of doses, not the end. Probably won’t change the results much, but maybe it will.

I’ve had a vasectomy and I take HCG. I like my balls, and HCG is meant to have other benefits, too. In my experience it didn’t affect e2 to a noticeable degree. I take 200ius every other day. I don’t cycle it. I’m of the understanding that leydig desensitisation only occurs with big doses.

As Nidus said, test those biomarkers next time.

If your concern is low libido, I would do the following:
-test other biomarkers. Especially prolactin
-raise your testosterone dose so your total T is at the high end of normal
-experiment with an AI if your e2 is out of range. But you may end up feeling worse
-take daily tadalafil. Start at 5mg a day, titrate to 20mg if needed. Better erections means better libido (in my experience)
-take HCG. 700-1400iu a week
-try mt2 until you’re as tan as you want to be. Then pt141
-titrate daily tadalafil to 40mg. Check for sides
-try caber/pramipexole

Try each drug for at least a month before moving on to the next.

And keep in mind this advice stops being “safe” when you get to mt2/pt141. Only go as far as your tolerance for risk will go.

 

[Nidus]

Unless you want to see how low your T goes at trough, you should have your blood taken at the middle of doses, not the end. Probably won’t change the results much, but maybe it will.

I’ve had a vasectomy and I take HCG. I like my balls, and HCG is meant to have other benefits, too. In my experience it didn’t affect e2 to a noticeable degree. I take 200ius every other day. I don’t cycle it. I’m of the understanding that leydig desensitisation only occurs with big doses.

As Nidus said, test those biomarkers next time.

If your concern is low libido, I would do the following:
-test other biomarkers. Especially prolactin
-raise your testosterone dose so your total T is at the high end of normal
-experiment with an AI if your e2 is out of range. But you may end up feeling worse
-take daily tadalafil. Start at 5mg a day, titrate to 20mg if needed. Better erections means better libido (in my experience)
-take HCG. 700-1400iu a week
-try mt2 until you’re as tan as you want to be. Then pt141
-titrate daily tadalafil to 40mg. Check for sides
-try caber/pramipexole

Try each drug for at least a month before moving on to the next.

And keep in mind this advice stops being “safe” when you get to mt2/pt141. Only go as far as your tolerance for risk will go.

Usually 5mg Cialis and getting E2 in range and not having Prolactin go sky high will make you go horny enough. PT141 on top of that and you can drill through walls with your guy

 

[Dunkirk]

Unless you want to see how low your T goes at trough, you should have your blood taken at the middle of doses, not the end. Probably won’t change the results much, but maybe it will.

I’ve had a vasectomy and I take HCG. I like my balls, and HCG is meant to have other benefits, too. In my experience it didn’t affect e2 to a noticeable degree. I take 200ius every other day. I don’t cycle it. I’m of the understanding that leydig desensitisation only occurs with big doses.

As Nidus said, test those biomarkers next time.

If your concern is low libido, I would do the following:
-test other biomarkers. Especially prolactin
-raise your testosterone dose so your total T is at the high end of normal
-experiment with an AI if your e2 is out of range. But you may end up feeling worse
-take daily tadalafil. Start at 5mg a day, titrate to 20mg if needed. Better erections means better libido (in my experience)
-take HCG. 700-1400iu a week
-try mt2 until you’re as tan as you want to be. Then pt141
-titrate daily tadalafil to 40mg. Check for sides
-try caber/pramipexole

Try each drug for at least a month before moving on to the next.

And keep in mind this advice stops being “safe” when you get to mt2/pt141. Only go as far as your tolerance for risk will go.

I had a full panel, just didn't post it, everything checked out. Only thing is missing is prolactin, I'll make sure to check that.

I was planning to start HCG at 500iu x2 and see how that goes. I'm also planning to talk to my PCP about Cialis, hopefully he'll prescribe, if not I'll just buy myself.

I'll keep the other items you mentioned in mind, at this point I'm not interested in adding too many. Just a personal preference. My goal is to get to a good level I'm comfortable mentally and physically with the least amount of drugs... Hopefully that doesn't change lol

 

[Sustanation79]

The first image is after starting 125mg/week split Monday/Thursday. The other two are my baseline.

I'm thinking about increasing to 150mg, is that too low? Or should I go to 175? All other markers are good. I do plan to add HGH, but I want to get my test levels good beforehand. Even though I'm getting a little antsy.

The blood was drawn at a trough 2 hours prior to next injection. It's test E from @DevonPharmacy

I'm 5'-6", 37 yo male with 10-12%bf

I’d say your testosterone is underdosed what form of testosterone are you using sustanon by any chance?

 

[Dunkirk]

I’d say your testosterone is underdosed what form of testosterone are you using sustanon by any chance?

I take test e only at this time. Based on what I researched and other have said, it's normal for 125mg. What makes you think otherwise? Just curious.

 

[HUGE McBIGLARGE]

I’d say your testosterone is underdosed what form of testosterone are you using sustanon by any chance?

Yeah I thought that. His total T seems to be very low for that dosage. But then again, it is at a trough. So idk lol

 

[buck]

I always recommend slowly titration doses up. 150 seems reasonable to me if long term health is a consideration. Going up quicker may lead to symptoms. And damage typically starts to happen before symptoms are noticed. Heart problems, diabetic, high blood pressure are examples where symptoms happen down the road even though the numbers pointed to the issue long before symptoms happen. My T levels peak about 2 days post injection then start to drop. So at 3 days when you had your blood test your trough would likely not be to far from your peak i tend to think.

 

[Sustanation79]

I take test e only at this time. Based on what I researched and other have said, it's normal for 125mg. What makes you think otherwise? Just curious.

Well I’m over 900ng/dl 72 hours after sub q jabbing 0.2ml of @GenericAsia Test E so as a rough guide I makes me think your test E is underdosed but there are many many variables so my thoughts are not full proof